Schematic cross section across the Cordillera Blanca massif and conceptual model for structural controls on fluid circulation
Schematic cross section across the Cordillera Blanca massif and conceptual model for structural controls on fluid circulation. The normal fault on the west, called the Cordillera Blanca Detachment is interpreted to penetrate deeper into the crust and sample upwelling crustal brines with mantle-derived volatiles. By contrast, thrust faults in the adjacent Marañón fold-and-thrust belt to the east reflect shallow penetration and much more local crustal fluid circulation. Credit: Scott et al. [2020], Figure 6
Source: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems

Fault zones commonly act as conduits and/or barriers to fluid flow in both the shallow and deep continental lithosphere, in some cases even providing direct connections to the mantle. The circulation depth and distribution of fluids in faults zones can be deciphered from fluid temperature estimates and geochemistries.

Scott et al. [2020] explore the influence of crustal-scale structures on circulating fluids in the Peruvian Andes by exploring variations in hot spring geochemistry from adjacent mountain ranges with distinctly different styles of faulting. They find clear evidence that structural style influences fluid circulation depth. Geochemical signatures from the Cordillera Blanca extensional detachment system suggest that it accommodates deep circulation (9-11 kilometers) of crustal fluids. By contrast, geochemical data from the Cordillera Huayhuash, defined by a thrust belt and compressional structures, indicates much shallower (<4 km) circulating fluids. This research nicely illustrates the clear differentiation of fluid flow paths in the continental crust as a function of regional deformational style.

Citation: Scott, B. E., Newell, D. L., Jessup, M. J., Grambling, T. A., & Shaw, C. A. [2020]. Structural Controls on Crustal Fluid Circulation and Hot Spring Geochemistry Above a Flat‐Slab Subduction Zone, Peru. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 21, e2020GC008919. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GC008919

—Whitney Behr, Editor, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems

Text © 2020. The authors. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
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